’19 Kids and Canceled’: TLC Cans Duggar Reality TV Show
“We have committed to Him that in all things—difficulties or success, good times or bad.”
Nearly two months after Josh Duggar admitted that he “forcibly fondled” several of his younger sisters, TLC has canceled19 Kids and Counting, …
God and America: It’s Complicated
Surveys show fewer think America is a Christian nation, but many see ‘special relationship’ with God.
This Fourth of July, God and America have a complicated relationship.
A third of Americans say the United States is a Christian nation. But more than half say the country has a special relationship with the Almighty.
Those are among the findings of two newly released reports from Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and LifeWay Research.
According to LifeWay’s report, slightly more than half of all Americans (54%) say the US has a special relationship with God, with 35 percent strongly agreeing with this perspective.
African Americans (62%) are more likely than white Americans (51%) to claim that America has a special relationship with God.
More than two-thirds of evangelicals (67 percent) believe in this unique relationship. Others who strongly hold this perspective include Southerners (59%), those with a high school degree or less (66%), women (58%), and older evangelicals over 45 (71%).
“‘God Bless America’ is more than a song or a prayer for many Americans,” said Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research. “It is a belief that God has blessed America beyond what is typical for nations throughout history. I am sure that would spawn many theological conversations, but it’s important to note most Americans think God has a special relationship with their country.”
LifeWay also asked Americans whether they agreed that “America’s best days are behind us.” More than half of Americans (55%) disagree with the statement, including 35 percent who strongly disagree. In contrast, just 21 percent strongly agree and 19 percent somewhat agree.
Optimism is highest among the most highly educated Americans. Only one-quarter of those with a graduate …
God and America: It’s Complicated
Surveys show fewer think America is a Christian nation, but many see ‘special relationship’ with God.
This Fourth of July, God and America have a complicated relationship.
A third of Americans say the United States is a Christian nation. But more than half say the country has a special relationship with the Almighty.
Those are among the findings of two newly released reports from Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and LifeWay Research.
According to LifeWay’s report, slightly more than half of all Americans (54%) say the US has a special relationship with God, with 35 percent strongly agreeing with this perspective.
African Americans (62%) are more likely than white Americans (51%) to claim that America has a special relationship with God.
More than two-thirds of evangelicals (67 percent) believe in this unique relationship. Others who strongly hold this perspective include Southerners (59%), those with a high school degree or less (66%), women (58%), and older evangelicals over 45 (71%).
“‘God Bless America’ is more than a song or a prayer for many Americans,” said Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research. “It is a belief that God has blessed America beyond what is typical for nations throughout history. I am sure that would spawn many theological conversations, but it’s important to note most Americans think God has a special relationship with their country.”
LifeWay also asked Americans whether they agreed that “America’s best days are behind us.” More than half of Americans (55%) disagree with the statement, including 35 percent who strongly disagree. In contrast, just 21 percent strongly agree and 19 percent somewhat agree.
Optimism is highest among the most highly educated Americans. Only one-quarter of those with a graduate …
No Sign of Arson Yet in Latest Black Church Fire
Seven recent blazes rekindle old fears.
After news broke on Tuesday night about the seventh fire at a Southern black church since the Charleston massacre, one white pastor suggested that would-be arsonists expand their targets.
“Hey racists, come burn our church too,” tweeted Ray Ortlund, who leads Immanuel Church near Nashville. “We stand for Jesus too. We oppose racism too.”
Federal officials said they had not ruled anything out in their investigation of the blaze that destroyed that Mount Zion AME Church in Greeleyville, South Carolina, in a press conference on Wednesday morning. However, one federal official told the Associated Press that the cause was not arson.
The church had been the victim of arson by two KKK members in 1995, reportsThe Post and Courier, during a wave of 670 church burnings, bombings, and attempted bombings from January 1, 1995, to September 8, 1998.
It was rebuilt in 1996. President Clinton was among the guests at the dedication.
“I want to ask every citizen, as we stand on this hallowed ground together, to help to rebuild our churches, to restore hope, to show the forces of hatred they cannot win,” he said at the dedication.” I want to ask every citizen in America to say we are not going back, we are not slipping back to those dark days.”
The recent fires have led to fears that dark days are returning for black churches.
More than half a dozen black churches have burned since a gunmen opened fire at a Bible study at Charleston’s Emanuel AME, killing nine.
Earlier this week, investigators said there was no evidence that any of these burnings could be considered hate crimes, The New York Times reports. So far, at least two of the recent church fires—College Hill …
US Churches Receive Less Trust Yet More Money Than Ever
Giving USA and Gallup find new records in opposite directions.
Americans may be losing their religion, but they’re still willing to fill up the collection plate.
A new report from Giving USA found that Americans gave a record $114.9 billion t…
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